Safari in Northern Highlands

Compare Parks in Northern Highlands

Ecosystem - Northern Highlands

We find the Northern Highlands to be a landscape of unparalleled grandeur, where the sheer scale of the mountains truly takes your breath away. The air is crisp and thin, carrying the scent of wild thyme, and the views from the escarpments, particularly at sunset, are sensational, painting the valleys in hues of orange and purple. We recommend taking your time to acclimatize and truly immerse yourselves in the dramatic vistas, perhaps spotting a gelada baboon troop grazing on the steep slopes. This is a place where nature's raw power is on full display, feeling both ancient and incredibly vibrant.

Rugged, dramatic mountain ranges characterized by deep valleys, towering peaks, and extensive escarpments.

Getting There - Northern Highlands

While flying into Bahir Dar or Gondar is the most practical approach, we always advise arranging your onward transfer in advance. The roads can be demanding, and having a reliable 4WD with an experienced driver is key to navigating the dramatic landscapes of the Northern Highlands safely and comfortably.

Weather & Climate in Northern Highlands

The warmest temperatures in Northern Highlands occur in April, averaging 30.4°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 22.6°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in January with average rainfall of 0.0mm. Average humidity: 33.9%.

Monthly Temperatures

• January: 25.3°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
• February: 26.9°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
• March: 29.4°C (rainfall: 0.4mm)
• April: 30.4°C (rainfall: 6.4mm)
• May: 29.6°C (rainfall: 36.7mm)
• June: 27.2°C (rainfall: 61.2mm)
• July: 23.6°C (rainfall: 213.4mm)
• August: 22.6°C (rainfall: 209.1mm)
• September: 23.8°C (rainfall: 114.5mm)
• October: 25.7°C (rainfall: 30.3mm)
• November: 26.1°C (rainfall: 8.0mm)
• December: 25.7°C (rainfall: 0.8mm)

Best Time to Visit Northern Highlands

The best months to visit Northern Highlands are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

• January: Great, temperature 25.3°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 33.9%
• February: Great, temperature 26.9°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 28.3%
• March: Great, temperature 29.4°C, rainfall 0.4mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 22.1%
• April: Great, temperature 30.4°C, rainfall 6.4mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 25.2%
• May: Great, temperature 29.6°C, rainfall 36.7mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 37.6%
• June: Great, temperature 27.2°C, rainfall 61.2mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 53.8%
• July: Good, temperature 23.6°C, rainfall 213.4mm, sunshine 8.1 hrs, humidity 73.6%
• August: Good, temperature 22.6°C, rainfall 209.1mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 80.6%
• September: Good, temperature 23.8°C, rainfall 114.5mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 75.2%
• October: Great, temperature 25.7°C, rainfall 30.3mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 57.5%
• November: Great, temperature 26.1°C, rainfall 8mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 43.5%
• December: Great, temperature 25.7°C, rainfall 0.8mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 34.7%

Recommended Packing List for Northern Highlands

Based on average temperature of 26.4°C, typical conditions, humidity 47%.

• Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 26°C weather calls for light fabrics
• Binoculars - essential for every game drive
• Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
• Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
• Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
• Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
• First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
• Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
• Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Wildlife in Northern Highlands

Home to 24 recorded species including 5 waterbirds, 5 birds of prey, 3 primates, 3 big herbivores, 2 iconic birds, 2 big five.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Ethiopia

Travel advisory for Ethiopia

Northern Highlands FAQs

What unique wildlife can I expect to see specifically in the Simien Mountains, and is trekking required to experience it?

The Simien Mountains are renowned for endemic species found nowhere else, such as the Gelada baboon, Walia ibex, and the elusive Ethiopian wolf. While game drives are limited, multi-day treks are the primary and most rewarding way to explore, offering incredible wildlife encounters amidst breathtaking highland scenery.

How feasible is it to combine a visit to the Simien Mountains with the cultural sites around Lake Tana within a single trip to the Northern Highlands?

Absolutely, these two distinct regions are frequently combined, typically requiring 7-10 days to experience both adequately. You can fly between Gondar (near Simiens) and Bahir Dar (Lake Tana) or opt for scenic road transfers, allowing for a rich blend of nature, trekking, and historical exploration.

Beyond wildlife, what specific cultural attractions or historical sites are prominent around Lake Tana in the Northern Highlands?

Lake Tana is home to ancient island monasteries, some dating back to the 14th century, housing invaluable religious artifacts, illuminated manuscripts, and vibrant frescoes. Key sites like Ura Kidane Mehret and Azuwa Maryam are accessible via boat trips from Bahir Dar, offering a deep dive into Ethiopia's spiritual heritage.

What is the best time of year to visit the Northern Highlands for optimal trekking conditions in the mountains and pleasant weather around Lake Tana?

The dry season, from October to May, is generally considered the best time to visit, offering clear skies and comfortable temperatures ideal for trekking in the Simiens. November to February are particularly popular for their cool, crisp air and lush post-rain landscapes, perfect for both mountain adventures and lake excursions.

What level of physical fitness is required for trekking in the Simien Mountains, and are there specific safety considerations or gear recommendations?

Treks in the Simien Mountains range from moderate day hikes to challenging multi-day expeditions, so a good level of physical fitness is recommended, especially for higher altitudes. Essential gear includes sturdy hiking boots, warm layers, rain gear, and a good quality sleeping bag if camping, with local guides and armed scouts mandatory for safety and park regulations.

Recommended Books

• Stuarts' Field Guide to National Parks & Game Reserves of East Africa by Chris & Mathilde Stuart - Park-by-park guide with maps, species lists, and practical information. Perfect for planning which parks to visit and what to expect.
• The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
• Birds of East Africa by Terry Stevenson & John Fanshawe - Covers Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi - 1,388 species illustrated with range maps. The essential birding companion for East African safaris.
• Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
• Lonely Planet East Africa by Lonely Planet - Comprehensive travel guide covering Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and beyond. Practical information on visas, transport, accommodation, and detailed park guides.
• Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
• Lonely Planet Ethiopia & Djibouti by Lonely Planet - Covers the Simien Mountains, Bale Mountains, Omo Valley, and the Danakil Depression. Essential reading for Ethiopia's unique wildlife and cultural experiences.
• National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
• The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
• Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
• Bradt Guide: Ethiopia by Philip Briggs - Comprehensive guide covering Simien and Bale Mountains trekking, the historic northern circuit, Omo Valley, and Ethiopia's unique endemic wildlife including gelada baboons and Ethiopian wolves.
• Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
• The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
• The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
• A Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa by Stephen Spawls, Kim Howell, Harald Hinkel & Michele Menegon - Comprehensive coverage of snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodilians found across East Africa. A niche but appreciated guide for the thorough naturalist.
• Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
• African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
• Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
• Wildlife of East Africa (Princeton Pocket Guide) by Martin B. Withers & David Hosking - Compact pocket guide covering mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. 500+ colour photographs. The best quick-reference guide to carry on game drives.
• Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
• The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
• The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
• Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
• When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
• Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
• Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
• Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
• Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
• Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
• Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
• Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
• Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.